Southwestern Ontario Stroke Strategy

About Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada. Of those who have a stroke 25 % make a full recovery, 60% are left with some form of disability, and 15% die.

In the South West Local Health Integration Network area of Southwestern Ontario, stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) send more than 3,300individuals to emergency departments each year.

Not only are these strokes devastating for the individuals who experience them, but they have tremendous impact on family, the community, and the health care system.

The good news is that in Southwestern Ontario, a team of committed health care providers and organizations are working together to decrease the incidence of stroke and improve patient care and outcomes for people who experience stroke - ensuring that all Ontarians have access to appropriate, quality stroke care in a timely manner.

The Regional Stroke Centre for the Southwestern Ontario Region is located in London at University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre. District Stroke Centres are located in Owen Sound (Grey Bruce Health Services), Stratford (Huron Perth HealthcareAlliance), Sarnia (Bluewater Health), Chatham (Chatham Kent Health Alliance) and Windsor (Windsor Regional Hospital, Ouellette Site). As well, planning is underway for a new District Stroke Centre in St. Thomas at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. These centres serve the following counties: Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Oxford, Middlesex, and Elgin - which comprise most of the South WestLocal Health Integration Network (LHIN), and Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent, and Windsor Essex - which comprise the Erie St. Clair LHIN.

Please visit the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network website at www.swostroke.ca. This is a place for health care services and providers within the South West and Erie St. Clair LHINS to access the practical tools, professional networks and learning opportunities necessary to implement and promote stroke best practices.